Is the GP 'fit note' fit for purpose?

6:40 August 15, 2015

Rehabilitation research experts commissioned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) found that fit notes were not being used to their full potential by doctors, patients and employers to manage sick leave.

The study was conducted to examine how the fit notes were being used and whether the system is an efficient replacement for the old sickness certificates.

Sickness certificates were replaced in 2010 by the GP fit note which was designed to encourage doctors to help patients stay at work or return to work as soon as they are able. Recommendations can be made on work modifications such as changes in working hours or phased returns, allowing a return to work tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

The research team recruited GPs, patients and employers and collected 932 anonymised copies of current fit notes. The participants also completed questionnaires about the outcome and usefulness of these fit notes, and were interviewed about their views and experiences of the system. This information was analysed by the research team, then presented to a panel of experts in a consensus study to produce a list of judgements and recommendations.

The results broadly show that, at present, the fit note is not being used as intended. The study concludes that the issues raised need to be urgently addressed by those involved in commissioning, completing, and processing the fit notes if the management of sick leave and return to work is to be improved.

Dr Carol Coole, Senior Research Fellow in the University’s School of Health Sciences, said: “Sickness absence from work has huge financial consequences for the state, employers and the employee. Previous research has shown unnecessary absence can be harmful to an employee’s health and wellbeing so it is in everyone’s interest to improve the situation. Our recommendations suggest that there should be better education and training in fit note use, as well as tighter management of the process and communication between surgeries, patients and employers. These changes would allow people with health problems to more often stay at work, return to work sooner or be helped to return through changes in hours, tasks, conditions or environment.”

IOSH is the world’s largest professional health and safety organisation, with over 44,000 members worldwide.

Jane White, Head of Research and Information Services at IOSH, said: “Our research has shown that the GP fit note has the potential to do much more and play a pivotal role in helping people stay in work or get back to work as soon as they can.

“We are keen to see changes to the fit note and processes which will lead to practical and significant improvements for all involved and this research and the recommendations pave the way to help us do that.”

The study has produced a wide range of recommendations, including the content of an exemplar ‘ideal’ fit note’ from the perspective of employers, employees and GPs, specific training for employers and GPs and best practice in the completion, timing, sharing and application of fit notes.

Our academics can now be interviewed for broadcast via our Media Hub, which offers a Globelynx fixed camera and ISDN line facilities at University Park campus. For further information please contact a member of the Communications team on +44 (0)115 951 5798, email mediahub@nottingham.ac.uk or see the Globelynx website for how to register for this service.

Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham has 43,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university, with campuses in China and Malaysia modelled on a headquarters that is among the most attractive in Britain’ (Times Good University Guide 2014). It is also one of the most popular universities in the UK among graduate employers and the winner of ‘Research Project of the Year’ at the THE Awards 2014. It is ranked in the world’s top one per cent of universities by the QS World University Rankings, and 8th in the UK by research power according to REF 2014.

The University of Nottingham in Malaysia (UNMC) is holding events throughout 2015 to celebrate 15 years as a pioneer of transnational education. Based in Semenyih, UNMC was established as the UK’s first overseas campus in Malaysia and one of the first world-wide.

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With 44,000 members in 100 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation. We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people. IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.

Story credits

More information is available from Dr Carolyn Coole, Senior Research Fellow in the School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham on +44 (0)115 823 0537,carolyn.coole@nottingham.ac.uk

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